Sweet Tea (My Favorite Girl RIP)
On May 16th of 2014 I had to make a horrible decision to put our beloved dog, Sweet Tea, down. Several days later my mom, husband and I went out to dinner. My mom stated, “I hope you two can process your grief and take a little time before you get another dog.”
That evening Alec stated, “Do you want to go to Open Door this weekend and look at dogs?” I agreed immediately. Together we decided that labs are cool and we would stick to that.
Only a day later I received an e-mail from my Mother-In-Law. Somehow, long story, we were informed about Buddy Walker. He was basically rescued from some mean old jerks that were going to shoot him at a camp site. He fell into the hands of good people who took great care of him. We are calling him Walker and he’s home with us now. The only thing is he’s a Coonhound and he is a puppy.Update! March 3rd of of 2016 – He’s not a puppy anymore
It’s hard not compare our new dog, Walker to Sweet Tea and this is a change;
- Sweet Tea was extremely mellow for the most part. Walker is extremely hyper.
- Sweet Tea went hiking with me and I did not have to put her leash on, Walker is a Coonhound, he would chase the first scent he smelled and I’d be devastated to lose him.
- Sweet Tea was potty trained, Walker needs a little work.
- Sweet Tea was happy with a bone, Walker needs all types of toys and things to keep him occupied.
- Sweet Tea never bothered the cats, Walker keeps chasing them.
The list could go on and on and that is why I realized change is an important part of growing! Believe me; we implement software that completely changes how companies operate. After years and years of experience we can always identify the folks that are afraid of change.
It is surprising because change is an important part of growth.
So moving forward, shame on me, we are going to learn and grow with Walker. We will take Walker on many walks and runs. We will read a book on puppy training and teach Walker that it’s not cool to pee in our home. We will continue to purchase new and exciting toys for Walker. We will gently correct him when he bum rushes our cats. By golly, we may even learn a thing or two from our new dog and possibly fall in complete love with him. We have no choice; change is in the air … and on our floor.
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Update! April 10th of 2015 – Walker no longer pees in the house! One of the cats put him into his place and he is very careful around them now. In fact, I have found him sleeping on the couch with Butterscotch. However, he is a busy little guy! In fact he likes to redecorate.
This is not a great video but it demonstrates his talent.
I’m sure Cesar Milan could probably do a show and point out it’s us, not Walker that need to be in charge, but we keep finding him on the dining room table. How can we be mad when we know he’s seen the cats do it? Update April 10th of 2015 – This has stopped.
Yes, I did make the bad decision of letting him free on a hike. He came many times when I called him before (in a gated area) and I thought we were cool like that. Well after a very rough run through the woods and the scare of my life, I retrieved him. I was very mad at myself but my friends and family said I had to at least give it a try, so now I know. Update March 18th of 2016 – Still Working on This – Geez
Training did take place and we decided to leverage an outside resource. No Leash Needed worked on a two week training program with Walker.
Let me tell you they did an awesome job and if you live in Missouri you should check them out.
Walker gets to go there two times a week in Doggy Day camp to play with his friends. That usually tires him out and becomes a Walker Ball on the couch (no more tables but we couldn’t take away couch.) Update September 20th of 2015 -Walker earned camper of the week. You can check out his Day Camper of the Week here.
Update – Walker passed away from Leukemia and his Brother MoMo slept by his side as he passed to the other side. RIP always loved, every dog that’s ever been in my life!
All in all, the change has been good. I recommend anyone and everyone with love to give and some extra time adopt a rescue pet. Dogs make life worth living even if you do have to change a little. Oh yeah, one other thing, we love him, he’s awesome!
